Aranxia Vejcik

What was the most impactful class you took in your major? 

The most impactful class that I took for my major was Fourth Year Chinese I, because it was a class where our professor encouraged us to participate in discussions on complex topics in our target language (Mandarin). It was difficult but having the opportunity to apply what I had learned for the past three years to express myself in a classroom setting was a truly rewarding experience and I really enjoyed it.

What activities were you involved in during your time at Mason that impacted you? 

For me it was participating in GMU's study abroad program. I spent three months over the summer of 2023 studying at National Sun Yat-sen University in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. During my time there I experienced so much and met so many amazing people. It took a lot of courage to take my first trip abroad on my own but it also gave me so much confidence, not just as a foreign language speaker, but also as a person.

What is your most memorable “Mason moment?”

I have so many memorable moments from my time at Mason that it's hard to choose just one! Some of my best memories come from the many cultural activities and exhibitions held by the Mason Modern and Classical Languages Department that I both attended and participated in. I have many fond memories as a member of the Chinese Singing Club where I got to perform in events such as George Mason's Polyglot. I also led traditional Chinese tea ceremonies where I got to drink tea and experience a unique aspect of Chinese culture with my friends and professors. 

As you are reflecting on your time at Mason, what is one piece of advice you would give a student who is just starting off on their Mason journey?

To the new Mason students just starting their journey, the one piece of advice I would give is to be your own biggest cheerleader. College can be hard. New experiences-- whether they be academic or new things you're encountering as you navigate the minefield of adulthood-- can be very intimidating and stressful. But the important thing is that you have your own back and make sure you keep believing in yourself. Remember, you got this and no one knows that better than you.

What is your next step after graduation? What are your future plans?

In the future I hope to pursue a graduate degree in Chinese studies and to continue to travel. As a young person, I feel that I have so much more to learn and experience and I can't wait to see where life takes me!